Welcome David Willhoit, TATP’s New Board Chair
Join us in welcoming David Willhoit as our new Board Chair! David has served on the board for the past three years in various leadership roles, most recently as Vice Chair, and Co-Chair of the Development & Marketing Committee. As a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan, where he oversees global marketing and operations teams, David is looking forward to bringing his passion, experience and strategic vision to the role and the critical work of the organization in serving clients across our communities. You can read more from him in the Q&A below.
We are grateful and thank Lauren Christian for her tenure and significant impact as previous Board Chair, and look forward to her continued involvement in supporting our mission.
A word from Lauren Christian:
“My early work as a social worker grounded me in the realities of direct care. Serving as Board Chair of The Art Therapy Project for three years allowed me to contribute at a broader level by supporting access to art therapy alongside an extraordinary team of volunteers and staff committed to thoughtful, lasting impact; it has been a true privilege.” - Lauren Christian
Q&A With David
David Willhoit, Chair, Board of Directors, The Art Therapy Project
1. What lessons or insights have you gained as Vice Chair that you’ll carry into your new role as Board Chair?
As Vice Chair, I gained a deeper understanding of The Art Therapy Project, its history, purpose, and the strategy behind how we serve clients. I also built strong relationships and trust with fellow Board members, staff, advisors, and donors. These experiences will be essential in maximizing impact from day one and in setting a clear vision for the future.
2. How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is authentic, inclusive, and empowering. I value honesty and candor, expect accountability, and believe diverse perspectives lead to stronger outcomes. I strive to foster a culture rooted in inclusion, respect, and shared responsibility.
3. What are your top priorities for shaping TATP during your term as Chair?
My priorities are threefold: expanding client impact across the five boroughs while exploring opportunities for program expansion, growing revenue, and strategically increasing TATP’s visibility.
4. Are there any specific initiatives you'd like to strengthen or refresh?
We have access to incredible talent from past Board and committee members. I’d like to reimagine the Advisory Council as an active body that provides strategic guidance to both the Board and staff. I also see an opportunity to further strengthen our Development and Marketing strategies while finalizing our overall strategic vision.
5. How do you plan to continue (or evolve) the strategic direction under your predecessor's leadership?
Lauren and David Wasserman, TATP’s Founder, laid a strong foundation for the organization and the Board. Under Lauren’s leadership the past three years, we focused on structure, process, and balanced Board composition across clinical and corporate expertise, always staying aligned with our mission to serve clients. I’ve learned greatly from her leadership and look forward to building on that foundation to drive greater impact.
6. What opportunities do you see for deepening board engagement or recruitment?
Artwork by David Willhoit, Chair, Board of Directors, The Art Therapy Project
These past three years have been my first opportunity to serve on a nonprofit board, and it has been a deeply meaningful experience. Bringing together diverse professional and personal perspectives around a shared mission supported by a highly skilled and energized staff, is incredibly powerful. As we continue to strengthen the Board, Advisory Council, and volunteer engagement, I believe we will unlock even greater potential for impact and meaningful change.